So Red Sox Nation already got the very best present we could possible get this year: A World Series Championship.

And, actually, we also got a 2nd, and some could say, even more satisfying gift: We got there by sending the Skanks home to play golf.

Nope, that never gets old.

And If the odds are to be believed, the Sox will be right back in the thick of things, defending their World Series title in 2019, even if they don’t acquire any big flashy players this offseason. But then again, when you have players like Mookie Betts and JBJ and Chris Sale, who needs one of those guys like Yasiel Puig or Bryce Harper? The Sox already have players to build a franchise around young amazing players, no need to pay stupid money for one…Especially since the Sox are already have the highest payroll in baseball, and will be paying just shy of $12 million in luxury tax for the 2018 campaign. No need to add that, especially for World Series Champions who will be keeping their core going into 2019.

Sascha Paruk at Sports Betting Dime seem to agree. Back in July, the Sox were 11/1 (+1100) to sign Machado, and 11/1 to sign Harper as late as October. But in the most recent online sportsbook odds, the Sox are not even on the board.

Thankfully, cause neither player are someone I want playing for the Red Sox. Machado is a punk who would be better served going to the Skanks, and Brice Harper? Ugh–too much hype for a player that has ALOT of growing up to do. And Yasiel Puig? We already have a right fielder–One who is the AL MVP and 2018 Major League Player of the Year and a bunch more awards, including 3 Golden Gloves, and a partridge in a pear tree.

So we’re good. Thanks.

Coming up: Christmas in less than a week, and I still have a million and one things to do before then, but hoping for some Red Sox swag under the tree–or at least some cash to get some.

But until then: May your days be Merry and Bright–and there are only 55 of them to Pitchers and Catchers!